Pastor's Penpoint - "Not Gone With the Wind" - August 2012

The weather patterns over the last year or so have been amazing. They shift and change ... well, like the wind! For example, over the last 12 months, those of us here in the Shenandoah Valley experienced an earthquake, an almost snowless Winter, reports of tornadoes, 6+ inch rains, record hot temperatures, and most recently, a derecho (pronounced, deh-RAY-cho). This is a new word for most of us. It means "a widespread, long-lasting wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to a tornado (my crippled trampoline and mangled roof can attest to that) the damage is typically directed in one direction along a relatively strait swath." Certainly in my lifetime, I have never experienced of such velocity and destruction as we saw on Friday evening, June 29th.

Some folks believe these changes in weather patterns signify the beginning of the end of the world; some of course believe they are a result of global warming.  I will not begin to pretend I am smart enough to agree or disagree with either conclusion. All I know for sure is that I do not know anything for sure anymore. I can no longer trust that the Valley will be shielded from extreme weather conditions. That being the case, I won't be complacent when I hear a weather forecast for high winds and severe storms. Being prepared with flashlights, batteries, water, etc. seams only reasonable. I will stay alert and be prepared, but ... I will not be panicked! I will continue to live each day fully and will not sit around in fear of a future storm.

Both Jesus and Paul encourage us with similar words in regard to our faith, "Be alert, stay awake, watch and wait." We always need to be ready for the in-breaking of God's presence in the world. But we should not allow that to summon complacency or fear, both of which can leave us powerless and useless.

Despite the unexpected storms (literal and figurative) in our lives, we are to continue on each day in full confidence as we strive to make God's kingdom a reality, "On earth as it is in heaven."

So take heart, and the shield of the Lord as you go forth boldly to serve our King! Now ... if I were a trampoline, where would I be.

~ Pastor Todd

The Crestmen - July 29

The southern gospel quartet, the Crestmen, will be singing during our morning worship next Sunday, July 29, at 10:30am. Find out more about them at their website, or find directions to Mt Olivet here. The service will be followed by a covered dish meal in the social hall. Come join us!

                                           

Quinceañera

Ana Ortega celebrated her 15th birthday with the traditional Quinceañera ceremony. It began with a service at Mt. Olivet with friends and family and Pastor Todd officiating. Pictures were taken afterward. Then off to the park in the limousine for more pictures. The remainder of the day and evening were spent at the Weyers Cave Community Center celebrating with food, gifts, music and more traditional ceremonial activities. Congratulations, Ana!

Medical Mission Team

The UB medical team left the Mt. O parking lot at 12:01 this morning for Danlí, Honduras. They were a bit sleepy, but excited. They met the remainder of the team in Houston and arrived safely at their destination at around 4:30 this afternoon. Please pray for their good health and energy as they treat thousands of patients this week.

Youth Sunday

The youth were in charge of the worship service this Sunday. They did announcements, led the music, collected the offering, read scripture, preached, sang a worship song called "How Great is Our God/Cuan Grande es El", and served the noon meal following the service. Great job guys.

Memorial Day Fundraiser

Thanks to everyone who helped in the concession stand at the Memorial Day Horse Auction. All proceeds go to fund missions work.

 

Pastor's Penpoint - "Sensing Faith" - June 2012

"You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway." John 20:29

This verse is what Jesus says to Thomas after he appears to him following his resurrection. I know we are well passed Easter ... but as believers, we are never past the resurrection - especially in Spring when reminders are all around us!

Recalling the resurrection and coming to this part of the story, I wonder, is Jesus calling us to have "blind faith"? It seems from what He's saying, it's better to believe in Jesus without actually having seen Him for ourselves. But isn't it foolish to have faith in something you can't see?

Just because we haven't touched the nail wounds of Jesus' hands doesn't mean I haven't "seen" Him.

There have been times in my life - where my faith has been reinforced by seeing Jesus in action in other people's lives, in my life as I trust in what the Bible tells me, and as I see answers to my prayers. As I look around, I also feel that I "see" God in His creation: my growing children, the mountains, the weather, and nature in general.

Unlike children who touch what they see, I can see what maybe I can't touch - seeing Jesus in other ways, but not necessarily seeing Him in bodily form. My faith then would be a sensing faith, not a seeing faith or a blind faith. After all, sometimes those without sight are the most perceptive of the reality around them.

Each day let us strive to see the Master in those things we can see - but also tune ourselves to sense the presence of God.

~ Pastor Todd